April 2009: Committee news
Presidents Report 2008 (by Wendy Foulds)
2008 has been a great year for Run Walk HB. Our membership across both branches has stabilized at approx 150 and our 3 public events have been resounding successes.
Hastings half marathon with its country road orientated course draws participants from both near and far. John Beaumont and his team have done a fantastic job and we look forward to this great event in a few weeks time.
The Hawke’s Bay Marathon has turned itself around and made a profit, this is the first time for a few years that the event has not had to call upon other club funds. I am sure that this is due to the popularity of the half marathon which challenges the participants to take on the second half of the marathon through the Tuki Tuki valley. Members from both branched combine to host this event and 2008 saw its 30th Anniversary.
Despite loosing a financial sponsor the Napier Half Marathon received near record entries and continues to be the clubs flag ship event. Robyn Wolfsbauer and her team again have done an amazing job.
To all those members that have freely given their time and effort in staging these events on behalf of the club – Thank you for not only are you promoting the activity that we all enjoy, you are promoting our club as a positive and supportive environment in which to belong. Your efforts are to be commended.
At this point it would be fair to say that there are only so many events in all of us whether it be training to participate or organising. We need more members support in our events. Please don’t be backward in coming forward. There are always jobs to be done and as club members you can do them.
The social activity calendar for 2008 was full. I am sure all those that attended the functions thoroughly enjoyed them and we look forward to more fun and entertainment in 2009.
For those members standing down from committees and those joining thanks for your time and hope you have / will personally gain from the experience.
The upcoming year, 2009 is the 30th Anniversary of the club. Throughout its time it has evolved from being a "runners only" club where the majority of members did participate in running marathons to the club it is today where both runners and walkers are catered for and whatever distance they chose to do. Throughout this time it has had one motto. “To complete not compete” So with that message I wish you well for 2009 in whatever challenge you take on and ask that you stay safe and be seen on the streets as we head into the winter months.
Napier Branch Committee (By Robyn Wolfsbauer)
Well summer has been and gone however the beautiful balmy days we are currently experiencing certainly make tying the shoe laces up very enticing!
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new members who have joined us over the last few months – great to have new faces and I trust the ‘experienced’ club members will help to introduce you around.
The social activities have been well attended and a special thanks to all members who attended our joint hosted day at Clive recently. It was worth the run / walk not only for the lovely scenery but to tuck into a substantial morning tea was awesome. We have the Mothers Day Mile coming up on 10 May which is hosted by our Hastings branch. I urge you to attend and compete in the estimated 1 mile run / walk followed by cooked breakfast – well worth it! We will be releasing details in the near future on our mid- year dinner scheduled for June 27th together with the theme and look forward to great support by our members.
Best wishes to those who have entered the Rotorua Marathon and also to our walking team comprising of Joff, John, Eugene, Robyn G, Wendy and myself who will be heading to Trentham on 24 May to defend our ‘B’ grade title in the Eikden Relay which we won 2 years ago!
Hastings Branch Committee (By Andrew Wright) : Captains report 2008
It has been another good year for the Hastings branch of Run/Walk HB.
An important feature has been the rise in numbers over the last few months, especially in the number of walkers turning up on a regular basis. In fact the walkers are tending to leave the runners behind, so to speak, in this regard.
As usual there have been some great Sunday mornings shared with the Napier branch,
- The 2 peak meetings from the gates car park have been good and, as usual, relatively demanding. I think the Napier branch really enjoy the change of scenery.
- Running from Park Island/Taradale always makes a nice change and a get together at a local café for a coffee is always good.
- The Mad Mothers Day Mile continues to be well attended and again was a huge success. Great BBQ afterwards. I would like to instigate a Mad Fathers Day km. Maybe this is the year. It’s about time fathers were acknowledged.
- The Cape Kidnappers runs have become a feature of our calendar. Not sure about the last climb to the gannets. Certainly clears the sinuses.
- The Hastings Half was a huge success again. John Beaumont does an incredible amount of work as race director and I would especially like to thank him for the work he (hopefully) continues to do in this regard. Thanks to everyone who helps out in some way, every little bit helps. Also particular thanks to the entire committee for the work they do for this event and for their work throughout the year.
- We also instigated the minibus ride to Clive event this year with the run/walk back along the walkway for morning tea at the cheese factory. Great idea Roger.
- The combined lunch at Park Estate Winery was great. Good food, good company.
- Off the cuff events like Mike’s 65th birthday run make a nice change. Thanks Mike and Eileen for your hospitality.
In all a great year, may there be many more.
